Spool Dolly With Tipped Members For Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for supporting spools of windable material, such as rope, during construction require manual handling and rotation, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when dealing with spools of varying thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A dolly with a wheeled frame and a U-shaped bracket assembly that includes tipped members to securely hold the spool in place, allowing for easy loading and unloading, and enabling the spool to rotate without manual support, featuring a U-shaped bracket with legs and a base attached to a wheeled frame, and tipped members that fit into the spool's end flanges for stable support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling and rotation of spools is used, then the apparatus structure can be simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome manual support requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The spool supports itself through the tipped members that engage with its central holes, eliminating the need for external manual support structures. The spool's own geometry (central holes in end flanges) is utilized to provide the support interface, making the system self-service and improving ease of operation without adding complex external support mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is segmented into discrete tipped members that can independently engage with the spool's central holes. This segmentation allows the support apparatus to be simple in structure while providing effective support through multiple discrete contact points rather than requiring a complex continuous support structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed support structure is used, then the device complexity can be reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates when dealing with spools of varying thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The tipped members are journaled to the U-shaped bracket, allowing them to rotate and adjust dynamically to accommodate spools of varying thicknesses. This dynamic capability enables the support structure to adapt to different spool dimensions without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms, as the tips naturally align with the spool's central holes regardless of thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure accommodates parameter changes in spool thickness through the rotational freedom of the tipped members. As spool thickness varies, the tipped members automatically adjust their angular position to maintain proper engagement with the central holes, providing adaptability without requiring active control or complex mechanical adjustments
3Productivity
If manual support during unwinding is used, then the apparatus can be simple, but the productivity deteriorates due to inefficiency in handling
Solution Approach 1:
The wheeled frame with floor-engaging legs provides a stable, level base that facilitates smooth spool handling and rotation. By creating an equipotential support surface, the system eliminates the need for manual balancing and positioning efforts, significantly improving handling efficiency without requiring complex active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped bracket with tipped members acts as an intermediary between the spool and the wheeled frame. This intermediary structure translates the spool's weight and rotational motion into stable contact forces, enabling efficient handling and rotation while isolating the operator from direct manual support requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A dolly for supporting a spool carrying a windable material, such as rope, utilizes a wheeled frame including an elongated section having two opposite ends, a pair of wheels, and at least one floor-engaging for supporting, in conjunction with the wheels, the dolly upon a floor. A U-shaped bracket assembly having two legs and a base which extends between the two legs is secured to the elongated section of the frame, and a first tipped member is journaled to one leg of the U-shaped bracket for acceptance by a centrally-disposed hole provided in one end of the spool. A second tipped member is journaled to a threaded rod mounted in the other leg of the bracket for acceptance by a centrally-disposed hole provided in the other end of the spool.